Yorkshire Amateur League Supreme Division
Officially founded in 1928, though as the ‘West Riding County Old Boys League’, this was created to cover the catchment areas of Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield, Huddersfield and Kirklees.
In 1950, the league rebranded, changing its name to just the Yorkshire Old Boys League, slightly broadening its scope, though maintaining its ‘old boys’ image.
It wasn’t until 2011 when the league changed its name again, to a more professional sounding Yorkshire Amateur League, which marked a considerable shift in its target market, allowing diverse amateur teams into its organisation with a number of ‘old boys’ clubs essentially disappearing.
How The League Evolved
Following its name change and switch in philosophy, the league was eventually awarded its FA Charter Standard status for the 2017/18 season – its 90th anniversary, no less. As such, this shift was dramatic, marking an improvement, committing itself to establishing and maintaining high standards in governance and the development of players.
For the 2019/20 season, the Supreme Division was established in order to lift the league’s top tier to a feeder league (Tier 11) of the English Football pyramid. As a result, it meant that the division’s champions could then apply for promotion to the North Counties East League of which the division directly feeds into.
Yorkshire Ammers FC who were formerly Yorkshire Ammers AFC famously reached the First Round of the FA Cup in 1931-32 and then again in 1945-46 where they took on professional outfits, Carlisle United and Lincoln City.
Meanwhile, the club was also established at Elland Road (home to Leeds United FC) in 1918, before they sold their lease to the newly formed Leeds United AFC in 1920 for £250.
About The League and Recent Winners
Interestingly, the league also has some relatively standout alumni. George Hudson who played out for Yorkshire Amateur in the 1930 was also an amateur and international captain Football Association Representative XI, while Alan Hardaker was the football administrator who later became the Secretary of the Football League.
| Season | Division Winner |
|---|---|
| 2017/18 | Drighlington FC |
| 2018/19 | Farsley Celtic Juniors |
| 2019/20 | Season postponed due to COVID-19 |
| 2020/21 | Horsforth St Margaret’s |
| 2021/22 | Littletown FC |
| 2022/23 | Route One Rovers |
| 2023/24 | Middleton |
| 2024/25 | Ealandians |
Furthermore, the league has a number of different cup competitions, which isn’t uncommon at this level, which includes the Terry Marflitt Trophy for the top divisions, while clubs in the lower divisions compete in the Hancock Cup and Hodgson Cup.
During the 2008/09, the Gildersome Spurs Old Boys set a record as they won all four competitions they entered, which signalled a considerable achievement of dominance.
By the late 2010s the number of clubs that competed in the league had increased to 120 with a good standard of football being played.
Sponsors of note for the league have included Absolute Warehouse Services Ltd, which is vital for the generation of revenue, providing funds for operational costs, cup competition prize money and administrative support.
Typical attendance figures for clubs in the league are usually nothing noteworthy; between 20 and 50, consisting mainly of families while bigger games, such as later stage cup fixtures might attract around double that figure.
Ultimately, the Yorkshire Amateur League Supreme Division boasts a good standard of football and is a solid level for a grassroots league.